STRAGEIC PLANNING COMMITTEE

MAY 11, 2005

MINUTES

Present: C. Bailey, C. Denard, M. Godbout, M. Groth, E. Hall, D. Hutchinson,

F. Lacomb, M. McCune, N. Pellegrino, L. Purdy, B. Roberts, A. Rollo,

S. Sloan, J. Smith, A. Staples, S. Talbot, L. Ryerson, M. VanDuyne,

P. Wahlen (Phone), S. Zabriskie

The meeting began at 8:35a.

I. Announcements

1. Committee members were concerned about the draft being sent to Ann R. to be included in the Express before the revisions were made on all sections. Ann R. explained to the committee that she needed a copy of the draft for the printers to determine approximately how many pages it would have. The draft that would run in the Express would have the updated changes.

2. Carolyn D. handed out a copy of the introduction to be included in the draft for everyone’s review. She explained that it is a straight forward introduction that will give a new reader a sense of what this committee’s thinking was in the process of developing the strategic plan. It explains that it’s not so much to chart out new vistas but to enhance, refurbish, and improve the quality academic program that Wells already has and would like to sustain. In reading the history of Wells, Carolyn told the committee how the work done by this committee has superceded Henry Wells’s vision.

3. Friday’s meeting will include the review of the Introduction and where the Honor Code should be placed in the plan.

II. Major Points of Discussion and Comments

HISTORY

1. This section had many revisions. History needed to focus on program effects and curriculum. The objective establishing a men’s group was taken out. The committee decided that it didn’t belong in History because it was an objective on how we managed students. Goal C regarding academic and student life became Goal A and Goal B regarding curriculum stayed the same.

2. A committee member asked how long would we need the sessions regarding transition. Carolyn D. explained that transition would take more than one year and that it should be for the next five years.

3. Muriel G. asked to have explained the objective regarding the request for librarians helping in preparing bibliographies for faculty. Carolyn D. explained that it was a way for the librarians here on campus to be included in the process when compiling teaching resources. Muriel explained that, although it was a great idea, the library was not set up with subject librarians and it would be a hardship to add this responsibility to the workload our librarians now have. Amy S. felt this objective should be faculty driven and that it should be a faculty initiative and others felt it should go in the Academic Program section.

4. Laura P. felt it was crucial that the committee pay serious attention to affirmative action in faculty hiring of men and women. Ellen H. stated that it is currently 60-40%. Some committee members felt that it doesn’t mean the current percentage will stay this way and that it should be addressed in some way in the plan. President Ryerson did add that the legality of hiring needs to be thought of and Diane H. added that we need to remember that we are an equal opportunity employer.

DIVERSITY

1. The main issue under the Diversity section was that it contain an objective that someone would be hired to take care of the responsibilities of Dean Morales’ position until the decision was made as to the future development of that particular position. It was felt that this was an immediate need and would be taken care of on a temporary basis for the 2005-2006 academic year and should not be included in the plan. Jonee S. and Nicole P. asked who would be responsible until someone was hired. Susan S. answered that it would be shared responsibility among various departments. Ellen H. added that until a decision is made for this position, things have to go on and be taken care of in the meantime. It was decided that an objective for this position to begin in the 2006-2007 academic year needed to become part of the plan and then it would become a priority.

COMMUNITY

1. Diane H. asked that an objective be added regarding the affiliations we have with local government agencies and elected officials.

2. Susan T. asked that the objective regarding the articulations begin with “Increase and strengthen” than “Develop” as we already do have agreements with area schools and colleges.

3. Nicole P. asked where would it be mentioned regarding the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. It was under Culture previously. There was a lengthy discussion that included concerns that we can educate the community in regards of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy to improve understanding but we could not take sides. Many felt that is was not our mission to take on. Nicole P. felt that we needed to educate the community in regards to the land claims in this area. Some felt that the objectives needed to explore ways to understand rather than honor the land and culture and that honor was more of value judgment. Others felt that honor was appropriate. Steve Z. felt that it was more of a curriculum opportunity and Karen G. felt it was much more than that. Anne R. suggested that we improve understanding first and honoring the land claim would come under that. Nicole asked why couldn’t we take sides and acknowledge the land claim to educate. Carolyn answered that our role is to improve understanding, not take sides. It was also added by a committee member that the homeowners do have their side. Meredith stated that we not only need to understand the Cayuga Nation but to know other sociological issues. There is a need to have both sides heard. As long as the College is here, the Cayuga Nation will be here and the relationship does need to be strengthened.

III. Misc.

1. There was not enough time to review the Funding section and it will be reviewed at Friday’s meeting.

2. Next meeting will be Friday, May 13^th at 8:30a in the Henry Wells Room.

Minutes respectively submitted by: Phyllis Siemiatkowski